Swing into the holiday season with JBER elementary schools

With the holiday season in full swing, service members and dependents with children have the opportunity to participate in holiday activities on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska.

JBER elementary schools are offering various school activities during the holiday season for children and families to celebrate the season.

'It's important to have school activities because the holiday season is for family, connections, and getting to know one another,' said Anita Powell, Orion Elementary School secretary. 'It allows families to have a blast and enjoy themselves in a positive environment.'

Mt. Spurr Elementary School is offering a Breakfast with Santa on Dec. 16 at 9 a.m. with pancakes, sausage and orange juice. Parents and families are welcome to join their students.

A holiday sing-along will be hosted at Orion Elementary School on Dec. 20 at 2:30 p.m. The school is also performing a band and orchestra concert on Dec. 20 at 9:45 a.m.

Ursa Minor Elementary School is scheduled to host a holiday band concert on Dec. 15 at 9:30 a.m.

Ursa Major Elementary School will be entertaining families and friends at a band/orchestra concert on Dec. 13 at 9:30 a.m. and a choir concert on Dec. 14 at 6:30 p.m. Kindergarteners will be building gingerbread houses, and families are welcome to join.

Ursa Major Elementary will also be hosting a PTA holiday store where students can shop for their parents or family members until Dec. 8 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the school. Parents are welcome to join their students. All items cost $10 or less.

'The holiday store and other school activities are for everyone and all families are encouraged to participate,' said Sonja Mitchell, Ursa Major Elementary administrative assistant. 'The activities also provide a distraction for children who have parents deployed by bringing everyone together.'

Aurora Elementary School will be presenting a holiday band/orchestra concert on Dec. 15 at 9:45 a.m. and a choir concert on Dec. 12 at 6:30 p.m. The Aurora Elementary PTA will also sponsor a holiday store Dec. 18 through Dec. 20.

'The holiday school activities are different than normal school activities because it helps students give back to their families,' Debra Washington, Aurora Elementary School principal. 'For many students, the holiday concert is the first time that they've played an instrument. It puts a smile on their face, and their parent's face.'

For more information about any of the holiday school activities, contact the JBER school liaison at 384-1505 or 384-7500.